Genetic findings in schizophrenia patients related to alterations in the intracellular Ca-homeostasis.

Abstract

There is a relatively high genetic heritability of schizophrenia as shown by family, twin and adoption studies. A large number of hypotheses on the causes of schizophrenia occurred over time. In this review we focus on genetic findings related to potential alterations of intracellular Ca-homeostasis in association with schizophrenia. First, we provide evidence for the NMDA/glutamatergic theory of schizophrenia including calcium processes. We mainly focus on genes including: DAO (D-amino acid oxidase), DAOA (D-amino acid oxidase activator), DTNBP1 (Dysbindin 1, dystrobrevin-binding protein 1), NRG1 (Neuregulin 1), ERBB4 (v-erb-a erythroblastic leukemia viral oncogene homolog 4, avian), NOS1 (nitric oxide synthase 1, neuronal) and NRGN (Neurogranin). Furthermore, a gene coding for a calcium channel subunit (CACNA1C: calcium channel, voltage-dependent, L type, alpha 1C subunit) is discussed in the light of schizophrenia whereas genetic findings related to alterations in the intracellular Ca-homeostasis associated specifically with dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmission in schizophrenia are not herein closer reviewed. Taken together there is converging evidence for the contribution of genes potentially related to alterations in intracellular Ca-homeostasis to the risk of schizophrenia. Replications and functional studies will hopefully provide further insight into these genetic variants and the underlying processes.

• Authors: Ina Giegling, Just Genius, Jens Benninghoff, Dan Rujescu
• Journal: Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry (Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry) Vol. 34 Issue 8 Pg. 1375-80 (Dec 01 2010) ISSN: 1878-4216 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 20600464 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Calcium

Topics

• Animals
• Calcium (metabolism, physiology)
• Genetic Linkage (genetics)
• Genetic Predisposition to Disease (genetics, psychology)
• Genotype
• Homeostasis (genetics)
• Humans
• Intracellular Fluid (metabolism, physiology)
• Schizophrenia (genetics, metabolism)